Tree Notes is about trees -- especially native trees, trees for wildlife, and trees in history.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Hollow tree, broken in a thunderstorm

Hollow trees should not be filled with concrete.

This huge old maple tree has probably been hollow for many years. Fungi gained access to the heartwood through a wound, and rot set in. Nevertheless, the tree attained an impressive girth and height.

I don't know if the homeowners were aware of the hollow in the tree and its potential to cause damage. They were certainly fortunate that it didn't fall on their house or vehicle. It did fall onto the highway, but luckily no cars were passing at the time.

We didn't have very much wind or rain the day this tree broke, but it was enough to bring the old tree down. I know the homeowners will miss it terribly.

Just for the record, don't ever let anyone talk you into pouring concrete into a hollow tree. When the tree does eventually die and it must be removed, how can you cut up a concrete-filled tree with a chain saw? And besides that, the cement will chafe inside the cavity as the tree moves in the wind. It can accelerate the decay and seriously injure the tree.

Enrich your life with the study of trees.

"The power to recognize trees at a glance without examining their leaves or flowers or fruit as they are seen, for example, from the car-window during a railroad journey, can only be acquired by studying them as they grow under all possible conditions over wide areas of territory. Such an attainment may not have much practical value, but once acquired it gives to the possessor a good deal of pleasure which is denied to less fortunate travelers."

I am Genevieve Netz, and I live in Christian County, Kentucky. My e-mail address is gnetz51@gmail.com.

I have studied native trees for many years. However, I am a hobbyist, not a trained arborist or forester. I don't give advice about tree diseases, parasites, etc. I don't provide tree identifications, and I don't recommend trees to plant. Please understand that I ignore emails with these sorts of questions.